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gay survivors of the vietnam war meet - in Portland

Gay vietnam vet and vietnamese civilian find each other - in Portland. Photo from the Oregonian

Gay vietnam vet and vietnamese civilian find each other - in Portland. Photo from the Oregonian

Now this is the kind of story we don’t really get to feature very often – a quiet story, a story of love, of pain – both physical and emotional, and yet also a story of reconciliation, of perseverance, and joy.

It’s a story about Don’t Ask – Don’t tell, about war, about art, about survival, but also about how sometimes love and happiness find their own unconventional ways into our lives.

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Federal gay marriage trial news resources

Perry v. Schwarzenegger Federal Trial news resources

Perry v. Schwarzenegger Federal Trial news resources

January is a slow month for queer news in PDX, but there is a lot happening on the national level, with the Perry v. Schwarzenegger federal trial going down which may set the stage for queer rights and queer activism for the next, oh, decade at least, if not more, and providing a touchpoint for gay marriage in the US. Kristin Perry (left in photo) and Sandra Steir’s (onthe right) relationship and lack of recognition therof is at the heart of this lawsuit which may become gay America’s Roe v. Wade.

With me hanging out in Germany, my old stomping ground, and Al busy keeping the home fires burning we don’t have the gaymo-power to cover the trial, but we do have a list of news resources for you so you can stay up to date. Enjoy.

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Straight couple barred from “gay” civil union in UK

In a strange twist of circumstances, a heterosexual couple interested in obtaining a civil union in the UK has been barred from doing so. The reason? Civil unions are only for gay people. Heteros can only be “married” and only by a member of a church.The couple is supported by Peter Thatchell, one of the UK’s most prominent gay rights activists.

No civil union for straight pair

Image courtesy of BCCnews

Image courtesy of BCCnews

A heterosexual couple have been refused permission to register for a civil partnership.

Tom Freeman and Katherine Doyle said they want to challenge “discriminatory” UK laws which restrict civil partnerships to same-sex couples. They plan legal action after their application was denied at Islington Register Office, north London.

A spokesman for Islington Council said the pair’s request was refused because “the council must follow the law”.

UK law only permits heterosexual couples to marry and only permits same-sex couples to form civil partnerships.

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Ellen Degeneres on ‘Oprah’

One of the 3 cover designs for Ellen Degeneres' appearance on Oprah magazine, and the silliest

One of the 3 cover designs for Ellen Degeneres' appearance on Oprah magazine, and the silliest

Today Ellen Degeneres appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show with new wife Portia De Rossi for their first televised interview as a married couple. Largely a fun and promotional show celebrating Ellen’s appearance alongside the daytime star on the cover of O: The Oprah Magazine, the duo were a pleasure to watch, and a happy foray into gay comedic mainstream.

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The queers go marching one by one

Oregon Equality MarchThe sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the queers are marching.

In a continuation of the National Equality March in D.C. earlier this month, the newly-formedĀ Portland Equal Rights Coalition is hosting a march and rally for equal protection under the law for LGBTQI folks.

Follow the rainbow flags and homemade signs to the North Park Blocks (NW Park and NW Everett) at noon today to join in the growing equality movement. If you can’t get out of bed in time for the march, a rally and speak out will follow at the Terry Schrunk Plaza until 3 p.m.

Expect photos and highlights soon!

DOJ compares same sex marriage to incest, Rachel Maddow comments

Another take on the disturbing brief that was issued by the US Department of Justice in support of DOMA. It compares same-sex marriage to ” marriages between cousins or an uncle and a niece” and that as a result, they do not have to be recognized.

Rachel Maddow commented on this in her show, and you can watch it here.

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Is the Obama administration abandoning it’s promises to LGBT Americans? (and immigrants, too)

Obama - Dont support the DOMA. Equality for queer people NOW

Obama - Don't support the DOMA. Equality for queer people NOW

Well…

Backto reality. The comedown is here, personal and political, small scale and large scale. While we are still dealing with the shambles left behind of a fantastic Pride, we are also hearing about gay bashings of queer/trans people here in our fair city and community. And now this- it seems that the Obama administration may be “rethinking” (i.e breaking their promises, just like Clinton did) to repeal the DOMA. Sigh. Disappointment. Frustration. How long will Americans stand to support a government, a system, that constantly betrays them?

The NYT reports:

A Bad Call on Gay Rights

Published: June 15, 2009

The Obama administration, which came to office promising to protect gay rights but so far has not done much, actually struck a blow for the other side last week. It submitted a disturbing brief in support of the Defense of Marriage Act, which is the law that protects the right of states to not recognize same-sex marriages and denies same-sex married couples federal benefits. The administration needs a new direction on gay rights.

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What do you think about this?